Old folk from different homes in Potchefstroom came together under one roof for a Christmas lunch organised by the Intelligence Formation at the 1 Tactical Intelligence Regiment last Friday.
The Christmas lunch is an annual event that was initiated by the retired Maj.-Gen Mlandeli Alfred Kula many years ago.
The scouts and officers ushered the elderly into the hall. Some were walking with difficulty, some were wheelchair-bound and others aided by walking sticks. They were full of cheerful smiles, sang catchy songs and delivered memorable speeches. The scouts treated them to starters, a delicious main course and dessert.
The chief of staff of the Intelligence Formation, Col Eric Boihang delivered a speech on behalf of the Brig.-Gen René Mercuur, the general officer commanding of the intelligence formation.
‘This is the one small thing we can do to show that we care and thank you for the great contribution you have made in making this country great,’ said Boihang. ‘You were our mentors, teachers, disciplinarians, role models and – most of all – the fathers, mothers, grandfathers or grandmothers who loved and cared for us,’ he added.
Merriam Mothopeng from Lesego old age home says it was beautiful for both black and white seniors to be under one roof. ‘God brought us together. Our God is one; our language is the only thing that is different,’ she said.
A young man caring for the aged at Ons Hulde says, to work with the old folk, one must have love and be humble. He has learnt to take care of them and respect them because that is where all the blessings come from.
An elderly woman from Uitkoms remarked that ‘it was wonderful that we were all helped in every way to get into the bus and out the bus. ‘We honour and salute the whole regiment,’ she said.
On behalf of Thales, which sponsored the food hampers and lunch, Lt-Col Saul Keketsi wished the aged many more years. He said we would all have to account for the legacy we left back on earth one day.
